Mayor Zohran Mamdani has once again managed to break a few eggs: He positioned himself outside the apartment of Citadel founder Ken Griffin and declared that those who can afford to own a second home worth $238 million should expect to pay an additional tax. The problem is that Griffin employs many highly paid people in New York who already pay substantial amounts in tax. The new tax on wealthy owners of second homes valued at more than $5 million risks triggering a backlash: The exodus from New York is accelerating.

But Mamdani does not appear to be affected by that.

“If you own a second home in New York City worth more than $5 million, check your mailbox when you return to the five boroughs — because you’ve got mail,” Mamdani wrote on X, highlighting the tax on certain second homes introduced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, which he supports and which is due to take effect shortly.

“Today we mailed notices to property owners informing them that our new second-home tax will soon take effect,” Mamdani continued. “The greatest city in the world deserves the greatest parks, libraries, and schools in the world. That is only possible when we all pay our fair share.”

It is tempting to draw a parallel with the wealthy Norwegians who have emigrated to Switzerland for tax reasons. They have taken their capital out of Norway. Støre appears to believe he has no need of them. Money continues to pour into the state treasury regardless. He forgets that these are people who create wealth, whereas Støre is content to live as a rentier.

That is the difference between wanting to achieve something and not really caring. A risky strategy.